Inactivated polio vaccine. Which is better, name, reviews

Poliomyelitis is an acute viral disease that affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis within a few hours. The virus enters through the air, less commonly through water and food. Reproduction occurs in the lymph nodes, from which it passes into the blood, central nervous system and spinal cord.

There are several clinical forms of the disease, differing in the level of damage to the central nervous system. Each of them affects certain parts of the spinal cord and nerves:

• spinal;
• bulbar;
• pontine;

Composition and mechanism of action of inactivated polio vaccines

The drug is a clear solution introduced into the human body through intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. The active components are weakened virus cells. Additional substances include various groups of antibiotics - neomycin, polymycin, streptomycin. The components prevent the proliferation of the pathogen.

Excipients:

• 8, 32 or 40 viral antigen units;
• 2-phenoxysthanol;
• formaldehyde;
• filtered water.

  

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Inactivated vaccine is a means of preventing polio. It consists of “killed” bacteria that are treated with formaldehyde. Thanks to this effect, the use of the product does not cause actual infection with the virus.

When pathogens enter the body, they imitate a viral attack, causing the immune system to intensively produce antibodies. In this case, a stable reaction to microorganisms is formed, which lasts up to 10 years inclusive.

The widespread use of immunization has reduced the number of cases several times. According to studies, in the 60s the level of polio survivors decreased by 5 times.

Protein vaccines

What is this? A vaccine based on antigen proteins, that is, “pieces” of the virus.

What is the mechanism of action? When a mixture of viral antigen proteins enters the body along with the vaccine, it provokes an immune response.

What's good about this vaccine? This vaccine is safe for the body, so it can be quickly tested and put into use.

What's the problem with the vaccine? It is very difficult to obtain enough viral proteins to make a vaccine. In addition, immunity to such vaccines is likely to be unstable - much like in the case of inactivated vaccines.

Who is working on the vaccine and at what stage is it? According to WHO, as of April 30, 2021, no protein vaccine has yet crossed the threshold of preclinical trials. And if it does, it is unlikely that such vaccines will become widespread. Although, in theory, the possibility of producing viral proteins in large quantities exists - for example, Sanofi has a technology that allows them to “stamp” the proteins of influenza viruses in the cells of caterpillars. But making vaccines this way is very expensive and difficult.

Chapter 5

Danger of disease

Pathology is characterized by a complex of various symptoms that indirectly indicate the development of the disease. The disease develops gradually and is often disguised as a common cold or ARVI, which carries an additional danger to human health.

The disease affects the central nervous system and leads to paralysis of various parts of the body. At the same time, both hereditary predisposition and non-compliance with personal hygiene rules from another person can contribute to the development of the disease. Paralysis can ultimately lead to disability and even death.

The disease can be diagnosed only after conducting various studies that will help prescribe adequate therapy and eliminate all signs of the disease.

However, it is not always possible to avoid dangerous manifestations and get rid of a viral infection. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the prescribed rules and regulations for immunization and vaccination of children against various viral diseases.

A specialist will help you choose the right vaccine and set a vaccination schedule. However, it is not recommended to independently determine the timing of vaccination or carry out the procedure without the instructions of the attending physician.

Live polio vaccination for a child during mother's pregnancy

Today my daughter had her revaccination with Pentaxim. Live polio vaccine left after 2 months. I ask the doctor whether it is possible to give a live one if before this I have always been vaccinated with an inactivated one. He answers that, on the contrary, now you definitely need to be alive, because only it gives broader immunity. But you can’t do it only if your mother is pregnant. Damn, I'm so pregnant. The doctor said it’s impossible, put it inactivated for a fee.

And I definitely remember from Komarovsky that children vaccinated with a live vaccine are not dangerous for pregnant women. I didn’t find it in the articles, I probably heard it in the video. I can't watch it yet.

I dug and dug on the Internet - and, as always, there were absolutely two opposite sides. But I haven’t found any official documents that if the mother is pregnant or there are younger, unaccustomed children in the family, a live vaccine cannot be given.

I found this on a Jewish website:

• Is it possible to vaccinate children if there are pregnant women in the family? Answer: It is possible to vaccinate children at the appropriate age with an attenuated live vaccine (OPV) if there are pregnant women in the home, both at the time of vaccination and after it. Vaccination of older brothers will prevent transmission of the wild polio virus and thus the newborn will be protected. Infants are protected during the first six months of life due to the transfer of maternal anti-polio antibodies through the placenta during the last trimester of pregnancy.

• Is it possible to vaccinate children whose family has newborns under two months old? Answer: There is no reason not to vaccinate children who have newborns under two months in the family. Vaccinating older children will prevent transmission of wild polio virus, thus protecting newborns from the disease. Infants are protected during the first six months of life due to the transfer of maternal antibodies against polio through the placenta during the last trimester of pregnancy. It is recommended that all family members practice good personal hygiene by washing their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds , especially in the following situations: after using the toilet, before preparing food, and before and after changing diapers for babies.
• https://www.health.gov.il/Russian/Subjects/vaccines/two_drops/Pages/FAQ.aspx In short, I have questions:
• Are there any official documents prohibiting contact of those vaccinated with a live vaccine with unvaccinated people?
• Did their mothers give their children a live vaccine during pregnancy, especially if they are 2.5 months away from giving birth?

Vaccination schedule and scheme

The inactivated polio vaccine is administered according to the schedule established by the Ministry of Health. Thus, the first injection occurs in the first 3 months of the child’s life.

The drug is reused when the child reaches 4.5 months. The next injection should be given at six months of age. In this case, immunization is carried out using drops.

Subsequently, revaccination is carried out at 18 and then at 20 months, using the drug in the form of drops. The last detection of an immune reaction occurs at 14 years of age. If the vaccination period is missed, the observing specialist develops an individual immunization regimen according to the recommended time intervals.

The vaccination schedule for laboratory workers (who have not been vaccinated before or in childhood), as well as for those who are going to visit countries with high incidence rates, is drawn up on an individual basis.

For patients at risk, it is recommended to undergo an injection followed by revaccination after 1-1.5 months. The third vaccination is carried out after 6-12 months.

Contraindications for use

The vaccine has some restrictions for use. Thus, the product is prohibited for use in case of intolerance to the components and the development of allergic reactions to the composition of the drug.

Additional contraindications:

• chronic forms of diseases in the acute stage;
• neurological problems;
• immunodeficiency;
• acute infectious diseases;
• the presence of neoplasms, tumors;

The drug can be used only after 1-1.5 months after recovery. Additionally, specialist consultation is required.

What reaction to the vaccine is considered normal?

In most cases, the inactivated polio vaccine is well tolerated and does not cause side effects. However, occasionally the drug contributes to the occurrence of various reactions, which are considered normal and do not require treatment.

Possible normal reactions:

• pain and redness in the injection area;
• increase in low-grade temperature - the range of values ​​​​varies between 37-38 0C;
• anxiety;
• swollen lymph nodes;

  

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• stool disorders;
• decreased appetite;
• sleep disorder

Children also experience increased moodiness or tearfulness. Such conditions go away on their own over the next few days. It is believed that the process is proceeding normally and all manifestations are associated with the reaction of the immune system to the vaccine.

If immunization rules are violated, various allergic reactions, severe swelling in the legs, and an abscess may occur. The development of hyperthermia is observed in only 4% of all immunized people. Among children, local reactions occur in only 7% of cases.

If symptoms persist for several days or more, it is recommended to consult a specialist for examination. Perhaps the condition is caused by colds that arise against the background of a weakened immune system.

Why do vaccines take so long to develop?

Creating vaccines is very difficult and expensive . The creation of vaccines requires not only highly qualified personnel and large financial investments in research; the problem is also in establishing production. To bring a vaccine to market, small development companies will have to reach an agreement with large pharmaceutical companies, which will be able to produce components for the drug in large quantities. At the same time, the production of a completely effective vaccine may turn out to be too difficult to become widespread - we have already seen this with the example of protein vaccines. Due to production difficulties, 95% of vaccines that have successfully completed clinical trials do not reach consumers.

Clinical trials of vaccines take a long time . A successful vaccine is one that will be used in tens of thousands, perhaps millions, of people. Therefore, all vaccine candidates must be thoroughly tested not only for effectiveness, but also for safety - because with such huge volumes, even rare side effects become very likely.

A good example is the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), in which there is a theoretical risk that antibodies from a vaccine designed to fight one strain of coronavirus will facilitate infection by another strain of coronavirus. Scientists do not fully understand what properties of vaccines provoke ADE - so they just have to experiment and see whether this effect exists or not. Checking for ADE also takes time.

And although developers of vaccines (especially new ones - vector and vaccines based on RNA and DNA) are doing everything to speed up the development process, the stage of testing vaccines in humans - clinical trials - should not be skipped under any circumstances.

Clinical trials (even accelerated ones) take at least several months. It is required to recruit several dozen (or better yet hundreds) participants, randomly (this is called randomization) divide them into an experimental group that will receive the vaccine and a control group that will receive a placebo, and observe these people for at least 3-4 months so that they have time possible side effects may occur.

Chapter 6

Description of inactivated polio vaccines. Instructions for use

The drug may differ depending on the manufacturer and the form of the drug - inactivated or live vaccine.

Poliorix

The drug is an inactivated vaccine used in the treatment of polio. Available in the form of a solution for intramuscular injections. The product is bottled in tinted glass. The drug is designed for 1, 2 or doses.

The solution is used as an immunization against polio viruses types 1, 2 and 3. The vaccine can be prescribed to patients with an immunodeficiency state, as well as intestinal diseases.

The therapeutic effectiveness of the drug is manifested when the 3rd injection is given. The immune system response persists for 5 years.

Revaccination is carried out every 5-10 years.

The composition is not used for acute infectious diseases, as well as in the presence of allergic reactions to streptomycin.

Side effect:

• increased body temperature;
• allergic reactions at the injection sites - rash, itching, redness;
• painful sensations in the injection area.

The solution can be used in combination with other drugs for the prevention of infectious and viral diseases - diphtheria infection, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and other diseases caused by the activity of Haemophilus influenzae.

Before use, be sure to consult an infectious disease specialist.

Imovax Polio

The drug is an inactivated solution intended for immunization against various types of polio. The product is produced in the form of a colorless liquid necessary for injections. The medicine is used to prevent the development of polio in both the primary case and revaccination. Can be used in childhood and adolescence.

Contraindications:

• allergic reactions to the composition of the product;
• acute course of infectious diseases in a chronic form;
• chronic diseases in the acute stage.

The drug is prescribed with extreme caution to premature newborns.

Adverse reactions:

• increased body temperature;
• allergic reactions at the injection sites - itching, rash, erythema.

A single dosage is 0.5 ml. Revaccination is carried out according to the established vaccination schedule. The drug is also used in combination with other drugs to prevent the development of hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and Haemophilus influenzae.

Polymilex (Nanolek)

The drug is in the form of a suspension or injection solution prescribed as a prophylactic agent to prevent the development of poliomyelitis.

The product is bottled in glass bottles and packed in a cardboard container. The nominal volume of the bottle is 0.5 ml. The drug is a vaccine against various types of polio viruses. Used to prevent the development of polio in adults and children.

Polimilex - inactivated polio vaccine

A single dosage is 0.5 ml. A stable immune reaction is developed after the 3rd injection and persists for 5-10 years.

Contraindications:

• increased sensitivity to the composition of the product;
• infectious pathologies in the acute stage - use is possible only after clinical cure;
• allergic reactions to streptomycin.

Among the side effects, the most common are allergic reactions at the injection sites, as well as an increase in body temperature. The drug can also be prescribed as part of complex therapy in combination with other vaccines for tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria, and hepatitis B.

Nucleic acid vaccines

DNA vaccines

What is this? A vaccine that contains a circular DNA molecule (plasmid) that contains the “instructions” for creating a viral protein.

What is the mechanism of action? Once in the cells of the grafted person, the circular DNA will become part of their genome. As a result, the cells of the host body will receive new instructions, according to which they will begin to “stamp” viral proteins-antigens - and an immune response will be formed to them.

To ensure that a piece of DNA with information about viral proteins penetrates cells, it can be inserted into the genome of a harmless carrier virus. This virus works like an “intracellular syringe” - it throws its modified genome into the cell, which is then integrated into the nucleus (unlike vector vaccines, here only the shell is used from a harmless virus).

What's good about this vaccine? The advantages are the same as those of vector vaccines: immunity is as durable as that of “live” viral vaccines, but without their inherent disadvantages. Since SARS-CoV-2 is not taken as the “carrier virus” for the plasmid, there is no danger that the weakened virus will mutate and cause the disease again.

What's the problem with the vaccine? DNA vaccines are poorly studied. So far, only one vaccine of this type is used - the Zika virus vaccine for horses. No DNA vaccine has yet been approved for use in humans.

Who is working on the vaccine and at what stage is it? According to WHO, as of April 30, 2021, Inovio Pharmaceuticals (Pennsylvania, USA) is creating a DNA vaccine INO-4800 - only based on DNA plasmids, without modified carrier viruses. INO-4800 is a so-called electroporation DNA vaccine. To “drive” the plasmid into muscle or skin cells, they will need to be exposed to an electric field, which will temporarily make the cell membranes more permeable. To make such a vaccination, a simple syringe will not be enough - you will need a special electroporator device. This vaccine is in phase 1 clinical trials, with trial results expected in June.

RNA vaccines

What is this? A vaccine that contains a viral molecule similar in structure to DNA - messenger RNA (mRNA). This molecule is a “template” from which the viral protein is directly read. mRNA is not integrated into the cellular genome.

What is the mechanism of action? The mRNA enclosed in a lipid nanoparticle enters the body along with the vaccine. Then the lipid particle will merge with the membrane of the target cell, and its contents will enter the cell and turn into a “template” for the synthesis of viral antigen proteins. As a result, the body’s own cells will begin to synthesize viral proteins, although the viral DNA will not be integrated into the cellular genome.

What's good about this vaccine? In addition to the benefits they share with DNA vaccines, the lipid particles with the mRNA inside are virus-like, so they can trigger an immune response on their own. There is a chance that due to the “double action”, immunity from RNA vaccines will occur earlier and last longer. In addition, short mRNA is a very simple molecule, so it can be created relatively quickly and inexpensively using special synthesizers.

What's the problem with the vaccine? This is a completely new vaccine - so we have no idea how it will behave in the human body. In principle, older vaccines of this type do not exist.

Who is working on the vaccine and at what stage is it? According to WHO, as of April 30, 2021, two companies were the furthest along in creating RNA vaccines. The American company BioNTech has signed a contract with the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. However, other than the fact that the company received permission to begin phase 1-2 clinical trials in Germany, little is known about the vaccine. However, representatives reported that their vaccine could be ready by the fall of 2021.

More information about the vaccine from the American company Moderna, which is collaborating with the National Vaccine Research Center (NIAID). The vaccine is called mRNA-1273. The first phase of trials recently ended, which involved three vaccine options with mRNA concentrations of 25, 100 and 250 micrograms. The company has now submitted an application for a second phase of testing, which will involve the vaccine in dosages of 50 and 250 micrograms - perhaps these are the dosages that have proven to be the most effective.

In addition, in mid-March the Russian biotechnology company BIOCAD announced the start of development of an RNA vaccine. Three vaccine options with different mRNA dosages will be developed. The first animal trials were planned to begin at the end of April.

Chapter 4

Preparing for vaccination

Before immunization, it is necessary to follow a number of rules and recommendations in order to avoid the development of negative effects caused by vaccination.

Preparation:

• conducting tests for the presence of allergic reactions, especially in childhood;
• general blood test – necessary to assess the patient’s general condition, as well as to identify inflammatory reactions in the body;
• eating light, non-allergenic food for breakfast the day before the procedure;

  

• avoiding stressful situations, including hypothermia for the body;
• limiting contact with virus carriers.

These recommendations will help to avoid the risks of complications during immunization.

Possible complications after vaccination

In rare cases, inactivated polio vaccine can lead to various problems. Therefore, when immunizing, it is necessary to exercise great caution and take precautions. It is also recommended to constantly monitor the patient's condition.

In some cases, the drug can lead to the development of consequences and complications. The most common reaction is an increase in body temperature with accompanying symptoms such as weakness, general fatigue of the body, and apathy. However, this condition is usually short-lived and does not require intervention.

In advanced cases, immunization can cause serious consequences. The risk group includes patients with chronic gastrointestinal diseases, immunodeficiency, or a weakened immune system after illness.

Possible complications:

• convulsive state;
• pale skin;
• blue lips;
• the formation of severe swelling, including in the throat area;
• suffocation, bronchospasms;
• anaphylactic reactions;
• rapid decrease in pressure.

Anaphylactic shock and other health-threatening consequences require immediate medical attention and hospitalization. The condition is fatal in 10% of cases.

Paralysis is also one of the most severe and dangerous complications. In this case, the virus affects the human central nervous system and negatively affects the functioning of the spinal cord. In the absence of prompt measures, the process leads to death. In this case, the mortality rate is no more than 10%.

To avoid the development of complications, it is necessary to avoid long walks, avoid hypothermia and prevent water from entering the injection site.

Additional recommendations for preventing the development of viral infection:

• refusal to swim in polluted waters;
• compliance with personal hygiene rules;
• Avoid drinking raw milk;
• It is recommended to monitor the quality of products and food and pay special attention during cooking.

The most reliable and stable preventive measure for the development of the disease is vaccination, which will help the immune system develop the necessary antibodies that prevent the occurrence of polio.

How are children vaccinated?

The inactivated polio vaccine can be used in childhood, including newborns.

Immunization in childhood should be carried out only by a treating specialist in accordance with established instructions. Depending on the drug, the drug is administered intramuscularly. In this case, for newborns and children under 1 year of age, the injection is given in the anterolateral thigh. For children over 1 year old, as well as adults, the injection is given into the deltoid muscle.

According to the instructions of some types of vaccine, the injection can be given subcutaneously. In this case, the procedure is carried out strictly according to the instructions of the attending physician.

If there is intolerance or contraindications to injections, vaccination can be carried out using a product produced in the form of drops for oral use. The drug also contains cultures of various types of viruses in combination with an antibiotic, which suppress the development of unwanted reactions.

Vaccine selection

Currently, parents can independently choose the drugs for vaccinating their child. The following vaccination options are distinguished:

• vaccination with live compounds. The drug is administered orally in the form of drops;
• vaccination with inactivated forms of drugs. Occurs by injection;
• combined vaccination. Initially, a cycle of injections of vaccines with killed polioviruses is performed, then they switch to the use of OPV (oral polio vaccines).

Oral polio vaccinations are provided free of charge in children's medical institutions. Preventing polio with an imported vaccine is only possible if you purchase the drug yourself. You can also get vaccinated against polio at a clinic, having previously purchased the vaccine.

To choose the most suitable and safe form for the child, you must first consult with your pediatrician. The choice of remedy is made taking into account the state of the patient’s immune system. Best tolerability and fewer side effects occur when using injectable forms.

The price of Russian and imported drugs for the prevention of polio

The cost of the vaccine can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer. The price is also affected by the distribution network of pharmacies and the nominal volume of the drug.

Before independently purchasing an inactivated vaccine used in the treatment of polio, you should consult a specialist.

Article design: Vladimir the Great